Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!
It is my pleasure to attend the MIWU Festive Gathering.
Today is the 14th day of the Lunar New Year and 2 days ago was the Hari Raya Haji. Festive gathering is about gathering people to interact and build rapport, regardless of race and religion.
Singapore is a multi-racial country. The harmonious racial relationship has been an important feature in a stable Singapore. It contributes to peace and progress. Our people are able to live harmoniously with each other in the same housing estate. All of us have neighbours of a different race, or religion. Our workers work cohesively with each other at the workplace. Racial harmony attracts investments, as companies are assured that the work will not be disrupted due to racial issues.
However, we cannot take racial harmony for granted. In our daily encounter with people from other races, we should learn to respect and be sensitive to each other. At the workplace, management should be sensitive when handling workplace issues so as to ensure no racial discrimination in the workplace as well. As parents, we should continue to teach our younger generations the importance of building and maintaining racial harmony.
Let’s do our part to maintain racial harmony. To do so we must understand our neighbours – their culture and religion, and the associated practices.
For example, do the non-Chinese understand why the New Year celebration lasts 15 days? Do they know the special significance of the 15th Day for young people? Do they know that among the dialect groups, different days in the 15 days of celebration have special significance for different dialect groups – the Cantonese, Teochew and Hokien?
Similarly, do the non-Muslims understand the difference between Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji? Do they understand why Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan preceding Hari Raya Puasa? Why do Muslims slaughter sheep at Hari Raya Haji, and to whom are the meat given?
Beyond these outward forms of observance of their religions, what core values are taught by each of the religions?
I am glad that MIWU has decided to play its part to help members of different races and observing different religions to know more about each other. It is a small step. I hope that individual members will reach out to one another, to deepen their understanding and appreciation of each other.
I wish everyone good health and a prosperous year ahead.
Thank you.
